SMSU Social Work Program Anti-Racism Statement

The SMSU Social Work Program seeks to produce ethical social work practitioners committee to anti-oppressive practices and the empowerment of all people.  As social work educators and advocates, we are determined to educate our students about the oppression that continues to allow racist structures and a culture of white supremacy to permeate our institutions, communities, profession and relationships.

 Anti-racism is the practice of actively identifying and opposing racism.  The goal of anti-racism is to actively change policies, behaviors and beliefs that perpetuate racist ideas and actions.  Being antiracist results from a conscious decision to make frequent, consistent, equitable choices daily.  These choices require ongoing self-awareness and self-reflection as we move through life.

 We understand that a commitment to anti-racism is not for one moment in time, but rather a journey across our individual and collective lifespans.  A commitment to anti-racism requires listening, learning, reflection, discomfort, dialog and action.

 We will share our determination to fight for racial equity and justice and invite our communities to join us by:

• Demonstrating social, economic, environmental and racial justice through competent and effective social work education and practice that confronts historical and contemporary injustices
• Acknowledging the existence of racism in the history of our profession and commit to learn from and correct our mistakes
• Exploring and addressing the empathy gap between White social workers and clients of color
• Cultivating an inclusive culture that recruits, supports and retains diverse students, faculty and staff
• Teaching and understanding the history and myths of race, superiority and the creation of differences in society